Star Wars, Episode VII; The Force Awakens

From the beginning this film wants to be like it’s earliest ancestors. I can say now that it does a very good job of it. Many elements feel like they have been ripped from ‘A New Hope’ but there is just enough to make the movie different.

For me, the two stars of the film are Rey and BB-8. Daisy Ridley (Rey) acts like she belongs in the world. We discover her, scavenging for parts on the desert world of Jakku. She is, by any measure, independent and very feisty. Later on, with Finn by her side, it is her who leads the way. When they part company at Maz Kanata’s castle, it is interesting to see that she is looking down on Finn. It is at this point that Finn reveals his secret, but I feel more is going on here.

BB-8 on the other hand is easily the most loveable of the new characters. His little bleeps, chirps and the way he moves his head will win anybody over. Other than following the humans about, however, I wish he had actively taken part.

Even if Finn had not bumped into Rey, I would quite happily have followed the feisty woman and her dutiful droid on their adventures. This is good as the dialogue isn’t always up to par. Then again, it is never so bad as to distract from the story. Talking of which, there are some lighter moments sprinkled throughout. Doing this made the characters feel human, even the stormtroopers.

Watching Adam Driver playing Kylo Ren, I got the impression that he is struggling with who he is and who he wants to be. Is he, as Rey says, afraid he will not be as strong as his grandfather? Quite possibly. Living up to his image would be a tough act for anyone to follow.

Episode VII does a grand job of mixing together the personal stories with the big. Yet again I have heard people saying that it was overhyped, but in my opinion it is a damn good film. Certainly I didn’t feel as let down as I did with the last three movies.

If you plan to go but have not seen it yet, you will not be wasting your money. It gnaws at you, drawing you in and when it’s done, it makes you want more.